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Investigation commenced into Amherst Police Pursuit

Jul

18

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has commenced an investigation into the pursuit of a vehicle early Saturday morning that resulted in injuries to the 27-year-old male driver.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., members of the Amherst Police Department (APD) had stopped a vehicle on Havelock St. in Amherst when they observed another motor vehicle go through a stop sign on Prince Arthur Street, and drive up onto the curb. As a result, one of the APD officers attempted to stop the vehicle as it was suspected the driver may be impaired. The suspect vehicle did not stop, and was pursued for some distance. The pursuit was eventually terminated. A short time later, the suspect vehicle was found to have left the road on Willow St. extension. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries, including broken legs. He was taken to hospital and later airlifted to the QEII in Halifax.

As a result of the injuries SiRT was contacted by the APD very shortly after the accident, and assumed responsibility for the investigation into this matter very early this morning.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact SiRT toll free at 1-855-450-2010.

This marks the fourth investigation opened by SiRT in the last 8 days, including one each in Halifax, Annapolis Royal and Sydney.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

The team can independently begin an investigation after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public.

The Police Act requires the director to file a public report summarizing the result of the investigation within three months after it is finished.